gt 245 smoking

[rilesdav]

Hello All,
I have a john deere gt 245 with the 20hp Kawasaki engine. I recently started noticing when first started or any time the mower deck is engaged a black puff of smoke coming out the front of the mower. Seem to be running fine. Any ideas as to what the problem is if there is one and what should be done if anything.
Thanks
Dave

 

[wolfe1]

How many hours are on the machine? Do you do routine maint? Does it do the same thing under load? ie. when mowing heavy wet grass? - In my experience a small puff of smoke is not a hugh issue if it is a instant heavy load or first start when cold -

 

[rilesdav]

about 220 hours on machine, I usually do maint. every other spring with the whole maint kit from johne deere. I do not notice the smoke any other time

 

[wolfe1]

Better black than blue smoke - if your plugs are burning clean, and your not burning any oil, and it runs smooth I wouldn't worry about it.